HB 6636

Abstract

Amends the Department of Public Health Powers and Duties Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Public Health (IDPH), subject to appropriation, to establish a program of services for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to help those persons stay in their homes and out of institutions. Provides that to be eligible for the program, a person must have applied for benefits under the Department of Human Services' Home Services Program (HSP) and must have been determined ineligible for that program because his or her retirement or life insurance assets exceeded the applicable limits. Provides for an asset limit of $17,500 for the IDPH program but exempts retirement or life insurance assets up to $500,000. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to apply for a federal waiver for Medicaid eligibility for HSP services for persons with MS who are over age 60 and who have retirement or life insurance assets up to $500,000. Provides that neither the Governor nor any agency or agency head under the jurisdiction of the Governor has any rulemaking authority under the amendatory Act, but that the Governor may suggest rules by filing them with the General Assembly and requesting that the General Assembly authorize such rulemaking by law, enact the suggested rules into law, or take other appropriate action in the General Assembly's discretion. Effective July 1, 2008.